Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our verdict: Choosing the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on contract will save you £129.10 compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Media lovers may prefer the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and its spacious 6.9" screen. At 214g, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the lighter of the two. Without a contract, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better deal at £449.95 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.6
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.9"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3088 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
501 498
Rear Camera
200 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 14 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
232 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£30.25/mo (£20.00 upfront) £29.00/mo (£499.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£449.95 £1016.10
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.6
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.9"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3088 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 501 498
Rear Camera 200 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 14 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 232 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £30.25/mo
£20.00 upfront
£29.00/mo
£499.00 upfront
SIM-free £449.95 £1016.10
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £777.75 over the life of the deal from £30.25 per month with £20.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's 6.8", both screens are similarly sharp at around 501 pixels per inch, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 200 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £449.95.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the more portable of the two — it's 18g lighter at 214 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm, and is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.